It's all in the details

Dunedin Just what is a compatible project? A book has the answers.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY, Times Staff Writer
Published August 29, 2007

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Compatible.

The word is so vague, so open to interpretation that a developer sued the city of Dunedin after his site plan was denied last year because city officials deemed the project "incompatible" - even though it met most city codes.

So now the Dunedin City Commission is taking steps to avoid future headaches. In a never-ending quest to preserve the city's quaintness, it asked Cooper Johnson Smith Architects and Town Planners to create a book to show developers the types of buildings that are in keeping with Dunedin's distinctive character.

Compatible can mean French Colonial, Anglo-Carribean, Coastal Vernacular or Mediterranean Revival. In case that isn't specific enough, the colorful book contains lots of helpful details.

Anglo-Caribbean

-An upward-sloping roof.

-First-floor walls are covered with stucco. Upper floors are wood frame, with siding.

-A hybrid of Spanish and British architecture found in the Caribbean and St. Augustine.

French Colonial

-Deep porches on the first and second stories.

-High ceilings, French doors and big, tall windows on the first floor.

-Brick or stuccoed walls.

-Preferred for mixed-use or commercial development in downtown Dunedin.

Mediterranean Revival

-Spanish and Italian-influenced. The Fenway Hotel is an example

-Arched openings, many balconies and courtyards.

-Made of rough stucco, with clay tile roofs.

-Decorative columns and door areas.

Coastal Vernacular

-Deep, broad, simple porches with thin wood columns.

-Made of wood: wood frame, shingles and sidings.

-Windows and doors are symmetrical.